GUIDANCE OF MAHA SANGHA IS VITAL TO UPHOLD GOOD GOVERNANCE - PREZ

The President reiterated that it is vital to follow the advice and guidance of the Maha Sangha to uphold good governance in the country.

President Maithripala Sirisena made these comments at a religious ceremony held at the Upcountry Shasanajothika Sanga Committee Udakukkhepa Seemamalakaya yesterday.

The foundation stone for this Seemamalakaya was laid by the President in 2006 when he was the Minister of Mahaweli Development.

The construction work

was carried out by the Sri Lanka Army with the financial assistance of several donors.

Addressing the gathering, the President said that the existence of the Sambuddha Sasana is the disciplinary aspect of the Buddha’s teaching and that since the days of King Devanampiyatissa, all rulers have given state patronage to establish the Sambuddha Sasana and restore the Upasampada.

Recalling the noble mission of the Venerable Maha Sangha, the President said despite the hardships they had to face, they were successful in teaching Dhamma in a meaningful manner.

The President unveiled a plaque while ‘Seth Pirith’ was chanted by the Maha Sangha.

The Chief Incumbent of the Sasanajothika Committee, Upcountry Amarapura Chapter Ven. Wattegama Dhammawasa Nayaka Thero was presented with the Sannaspathraya by the Most Venerable Kotugoda Dhammawasa Nayaka Thero, while the President presented the Vijinipatha to the Chief Sangha Nayaka Thera.

The meritorious ceremony was then held under the patronage of Venerable Kotugoda Dhammawasa Nayaka Thero, the leader of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Sasana Jothikakaraka Venerable Waththegama Dhammawasa Nayaka Thero, Upcountry Amarapura Chapter registrar Venerable Madipola Dammika Nayaka Thero, a group of Monks, Central Province Governor Maithri Gunarathne and several others, participated in this event.